What makes the EMG 89 different from a standard humbucker or single-coil?

The EMG 89 blends both voices into one active hybrid design using separate preamps for each coil, delivering humbucker punch and single-coil clarity simultaneously with medium output and aggressive definition. It's engineered to give you tonal flexibility in rock, metal, and progressive styles without sacrificing either character.

Is the EMG 89 suitable for jazz or traditional styles?

The EMG 89 is optimized for rock, metal, progressive, and hard rock—its aggressive definition and medium output are best matched to those genres. It is not designed for traditional jazz or folk applications.

What's included in the box and how hard is installation?

The complete wiring kit includes a battery bus, two pickup in/out buses, pickup cable, connecting cables, output cable, battery cable, and 25k tone and push/pull pots. The solderless connection system simplifies installation so no soldering is required.

Will the EMG 89 fit my guitar's existing pickup cavity?

The EMG 89 measures 69.9 x 38.1 x 22.9 mm with 78.5 mm mounting screw spacing and fits standard pickup routes, making it compatible with any pickup position on guitars with standard cavities. Verify your guitar's mounting hole spacing before purchasing.

How does the brushed gold finish affect the tone?

The brushed gold cover is a visual distinction and does not affect the pickup's tone—the active hybrid design and Alnico V magnets are responsible for the sound character. The finish offers aesthetic appeal while maintaining the compact profile EMG is known for.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $10 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 89 Active Humbucker Pickup in Brushed Gold

The EMG 89 delivers a hybrid voice that blends humbucker punch with single-coil articulation, making it a dependable choice for players who need tonal flexibility without sacrificing output on stage or in the studio. This brushed gold finish version combines EMG's legendary active electronics with a compact footprint suited to any position on the guitar. The integrated preamp and dual-coil design provide both clarity and aggression in a single pickup—ideal for live reliability and consistent tone night after night.

Tone & Electronics

Active hybrid design pairs Alnico V magnets with separate preamps for humbucker and single-coil voicings, delivering medium output with exceptional definition that cuts through a mix without muddiness. The solderless connection system simplifies installation and swap-outs, while the included 25k tone pot and 25k push/pull pot let you dial in your sound character quickly and reliably during soundcheck or mid-set adjustments.

Design & Build

Constructed in the USA, the EMG 89 measures 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm with 78.5 mm mounting screw spacing, fitting standard pickup routes across all positions for hassle-free integration. The brushed gold cover offers distinctive visual appeal while maintaining the compact profile EMG is known for—no surprises, no unexpected fitment issues when it's time to perform.

Key Features

Active hybrid humbucker and single-coil pickup design
Alnico V magnets
Medium output
Solderless connections
Dimensions: 69.9 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm
Mounting screw spacing: 78.5 mm
Brushed gold cover finish
Includes 25k tone pot and 25k push/pull pot
Stereo output socket
Fits all pickup positions
Made in USA
Complete wiring kit included: battery bus, two pickup in/out bus, pickup cable, connecting cables, output cable, and battery cable

The EMG 89 remains a trusted workhorse for gigging musicians and collectors who demand modern active clarity paired with organic hybrid character across any playing style or genre.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Progressive, Hard Rock, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Hybrid articulation, medium output, humbucker punch, single-coil clarity, aggressive definition
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional